NHL Rumors: Jets, Kings, and Erik Karlsson wants to stay in SJ
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors looks at the latest buzz surrounding the Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, and Erik Karlsson.
Are the Jets in the market for help at forward? Will the Kings start to unload their plethora of defensemen? And where does Erik Karlsson stand in all this trade rumor talk?
Let’s dive in and see if we can make some sense of what’s out there.
NHL Rumors: Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have been playing some solid hockey and want to make sure that trend continues. At 10-4-1 with 21 points, they’re currently in second place in the competitive Central Division.
Lately, injuries to their forward group have started to build and it could have them looking to fill a hole up front via trade.
You’re looking at Ehlers, [Mason] Appleton and [Morgan] Barron so in the short term they’re hoping someone internally can step up to fill the void but obviously they’re also considering some trade options as well.
Darren Dreger, TSN
According to CapFriendly, the Jets have around $1.6 million in space. Any deal may require finding a way to send some salary back.
One place the Jets could look is to the Montreal Canadiens. They have plenty of forwards that will be heading to UFA status and would likely retain up to 50% of their salary for an appropriate draft pick.
Erik Karlsson on trade talk
Erik Karlsson has found the Fountain of Youth! After another big offensive game against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday (1G – 3A), he now has 28 points in 19 contests which is tops among all NHL defensemen.
There’s been rumblings of a possible trade dating back to last season, but all that went into overdrive when Sharks GM Mike Grier said he would be open to dealing him.
So would Karlsson waive his no-move clause?
“No, I mean, if that question ever arises, you know, it’s going to be between me and (Grier). It has not. So there’s no point for me to think about that or speculate about that.” Karlsson said via the Athletic’s Corey Masisak. “I’m fully invested here at the moment. We are in a situation where we need to win a few games. I’m just worried about the next one. That’s all I can control. All that other stuff, it is nice for you guys to have something to talk about. I’ll let you have at it.”
Karlsson has 5 years remaining with a heavy cap hit of $11.5 million. Any trade will take a lot of work and a very willing partner.
NHL Rumors: Los Angeles Kings
When it comes to teams with assets to trade, the Los Angeles Kings are right up there.
“Another team that clubs have been looking at, clubs that have injuries along the blue line, is the Los Angeles Kings, who of course have started the season and are so loaded on the right side – four of their six in their top six are right handers,” TSN’s Pierre LeBrun said. “Right now Rob Blake, the general manager, wants to keep his depth as long as possible and he’s not ready to wheel-and-deal just yet with those right-handed defensemen.”
While nothing is imminent regarding the Kings now, they’ll be an interesting team come the trade deadline when looking to make a splash in the rental market.
Hmmm, would Patrick Kane waive to play in L.A.? Interesting thought.
